Sweet & Savory Summer Spots near Breckenridge

Our five senses help guide us through life — hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste. They are such a big part of our journeys that even a simple smell, such as a perfume, or listening to an old favorite song, can instantly bring back memories long forgotten.

For summer, we’ve put together a list of the best places to eat in Summit County according to the five senses, and why each one fits the method of perception.

SIGHT

Pug Ryan’s Lakeside Tiki Bar is a favorite summer hangout right down by the Dillon Marina. It’s hard to beat the deck that hangs out over the water — which is probably why Summit Daily readers pick the Tiki Bar by the water for “Best Deck” year after year.

This summer the Tiki Bar will continue to serve the popular Rum Runners and Dark and Stormy cocktails, and also be introducing a new drink called Orange Crush, in honor of the Denver Broncos’ Super Bowl win.

To experience the other side of the lake, catch a water taxi from the Dillon Marina that will transport you to Frisco (or back), and will even accommodate bikes and dogs. Island Grill is located next to the Frisco Marina, and offers a great place to drink and dine near the water. The Lake Dillon Water Taxi operates seven days a week and can reached by phone at (970) 486-0250.

The Snake River Saloon & Steakhouse in Keystone is a fine-dining restaurant that doubles as a bar and live music venue on weekend evenings. Formerly known as the Loveland Pass Bar, Lounge and Restaurant in the ’50s and ’60s, the Snake as we know it today was established in 1975, and is now owned by Jim and Jane Shields.

The Snake offers live music every weekend during the summer and winter seasons, and is just a quick bus ride or even walk from most Keystone Resort properties.

The Crown Café is a cozy spot located in an upstairs storefront right on Main Street in Breckenridge. More than just a coffee shop, The Crown is a good stop at any time of the day for breakfast or lunch, or stop off during happy hour for beer, wine or cocktails, including its specialty coffee drinks with flavored liqueurs.

This hideaway makes it easy to spend all morning or afternoon lingering inside the shop. Comfy couches are set up near the fireplace, and a long booth lined with tables and chairs ends in a cozy small nook.

Transport yourself to the other side of the world right here in Breckenridge with the tastes of Le Petit Paris Bistrot. Opened in 2007 by a French transplant, owner Arielle runs the bistro and her sister, Marie Jo, is the pastry chef. Arielle came from France to New York in 2000, working in restaurants around Manhattan before discovering Breckenridge while on vacation and opening the restaurant.

The menu includes unique morsels such as frog legs and escargot, or profiteroles for dessert. For French cuisine and a romantic atmosphere, Le Petit Paris is ideal for special occasions.

The Colorado BBQ Challenge, held annually in Frisco, is a two-day event featuring more than 70 barbecuers, bands, pig races, kids’ activities and more. In its 23rd year this summer, six blocks of Main Street are blocked off with vendors lining the streets, filling the town with the delectable smells of roasting pig and festival fare. Pit masters compete over a variety of awards in the following categories including pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, anything goes, barbecue sauce, side dish, salsa and dessert.

“Cookers at the Colorado BBQ Challenge tend to their smokers all night, so when you get to Frisco Main Street on either Friday or Saturday morning during the festival, you are surrounded by the smell of BBQ,” said Vanessa Agee, marketing and communications director with the town of Frisco. “It inspires you to put down your four shots of espresso and find the nearest smoked-to-perfection barbecue. Then later in the day you find yourself embraced by even more smells. I have the most overwhelming desire for funnel cakes each year and Higgles Ice Cream’s freshly made waffle cones when I smell them on Frisco Main Street. My mouth waters for two days straight and the smells lead me straight to some seriously incredible festival cuisine.”